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The Digital Connection highlights students from various educational institutions and alumni. The opportunity to participate is optional and open to the public. Email support@scpandgsg.org for more information.
Grand Canyon University
August 27, 2023
Marzella Harris
Thank you for taking the time to participate in our digital article series, The Digital Connection. Your willingness to share your journey helps bring greater visibility to the experiences of online students and highlights the growing need for inclusive opportunities, like fraternity and sorority involvement, within virtual learning environments.
Before we start, we like to highlight business owners as part of our commitment to supporting small businesses. If you are a business owner, we invite you to share your business name, website, or any relevant details, so we can help amplify your work alongside your personal story.
True Blessing Non-Profit Organization
What inspired you to pursue an online college education, and how did you get started?
My five children inspired me to be the best version of myself that I could be. After many years perusing in-person classes and juggling home and family life I inner stood that the only way as a single mom to not become defeated was to explore other options and opportunities. I wanted to make sure that my educational journey did not guide me away from the needs of my children. Research along with friends and families' opinions guided me to Grand Canyon University where I was able to complete my degree in two years while balancing home life.
What challenges have you faced while pursuing your degree online, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges that I faced while perusing my online degree came from many different avenues. Finances were number one, five children with different schedules and sports activities came and went accordingly. Time management was not one of my best attributes, late nights and early mornings seemed to have run together all in one day. Group activities showed me my strength and weakness. Relying on online literature when you are a textile person brought me many challenges. Every day I reflected on how I could do things better, I learned from my classmates at school on how to use my time in the best way possible. I learned that I was not in this online educational, raising children and balancing home life by myself. My classmates and professors were supportive. They guided and taught me stress relief techniques, how to stop being a people pleaser and how to create boundaries in order to be successful. I overcame challenges by using effective communication skills.
How have you balanced your online coursework with other responsibilities, such as work or family?
I do not think that I balanced coursework and responsibilities well. I simply just took one day at a time and dealt with whatever came my way with the help of my Creator. I tracked all my classmates and families concerns and advice and received what I needed and disregarded what I didn't need. Day by Day moment by moment I put one foot in front of the other and begin my educational journey.
What have you found to be the benefits of pursuing a college education online, compared to traditional on-campus learning?
Being able to complete assignments on my own time became beneficial for me. Being able to take breaks and support my children when and where they needed me was a huge perk to online school. On-campus learning took time from me being able to the simple things.
How have you stayed motivated and engaged in your online classes, and what strategies have you used to ensure your success?
There were many days that I was not motivated, however the ability to receive funds to take care of my family was the biggest motivator. Finances and the drive to complete what I started ensured my success.
What does it signify to you when organizations like Sigma Chi Psi Sorority and Gamma Sigma Gamma Fraternity attempt to bridge the social gap for students who are pursuing their education online?
It means that they see a need in those who desperately need to pursue schooling but need other options to assist them when time permits it. Support Groups, educational guides, finance support groups all play an important role in the dynamics of a successful student.
What significance does socializing, networking, and participating in events focused on networking and community service hold for you?
Our educational community needs to know that they are not alone, and as we build one person, we consciously give them permission to build the next person. I track that being there for my community serves a purpose, as we stand and build together, we become undefeated as a community.
Thank you again for being part of The Digital Connection. Your voice adds depth and meaning to this series, and we’re honored to share your perspective. We look forward to amplifying your story and continuing to build a platform that reflects the diverse journeys of online learners everywhere.